NTSB Factual Report

On March 9, 2003, at 1346 mountain standard time, a Mooney M20C, N9313V, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during initial climb from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (COS), Colorado Springs, Colorado. The airline transport pilot and front seat passenger sustained minor injuries, and the rear seat passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. An instrument flight plan was filed for this cross-country flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the take-off roll on runway 35L was "right on centerline." He stated that he rotated after attaining approximately 80 mph, retracted the landing gear, and accelerated to "90 mph." After climbing "approximately 50 to 100 feet in the air," he experienced "a gust and a strong downdraft" and the airplane would not climb. He said the "gust and strong downdraft" forced the airplane "lower and to the right." He lowered the nose of the airplane in an attempt to gain airspeed. All instruments were in the "green" and the last indicated airspeed was 80-85 mph. The airplane impacted the ground approximately 170 feet right of the centerline, and 575 feet beyond the runway's threshold. The airplane slid approximately 140 additional feet. The engine mount was displaced, the firewall was torn, and the fuselage above the windshield was buckled.

At 1354, the reported weather at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport was, wind, 290 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 17 degrees C.; dew point, minus 9 degrees C.; altimeter setting, 30.04. Remarks; peak wind at 1336 was, 300 degrees at 27 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during initial climb which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing factors include the downdraft, crosswind and gusty wind conditions.